Bristol-based lighting specialists, Utopium have once again worked with AMG to introduce state-of-the-art facilities to the design of its three-room operation at Carling Academy Oxford.
Richard Maides, Academy Music Group's operations manager says: "We have worked with Utopium on a number of installations at our venues in Newcastle, Bristol, Liverpool, Islington and Glasgow and as a group we invest heavily in both our PA and lighting equipment. We aim high in our production values so that all AMG properties offer the same excellent in-house production facilities for both international touring acts and the very best for upcoming talent looking to play top class, professional venues."
Utopium's Angus Chinn has designed the stage and dance-floor rigs to provide a versatile system for all rooms. "Lighting in all the spaces has to be as flexible and dynamic as possible," explains Chinn. "The rigs in the larger rooms are comprehensively specified so touring artists don't have to bring in their own productions, although the systems can accommodate special formats. Avolites and Robe were chosen because they are both well known, rock solid brands, very reliable and with good support - all the elements you need for a high profile installation."
The Avolites Pearl 2008 and Azure consoles are supplied direct from Avolites and the moving lights and Anolis LED fixtures from Robe UK.
With Avolites at the front end, Chinn is confident that the console will be familiar to the vast majority of visiting LDs. "Avolites has invested so much time and resources into training over the years, that it's safe to say that almost all lighting professionals can operate and programme a Pearl, and that's part of its universal appeal" adds Chinn. "Since I first started using Robe, their moving lights and brand has really grown in popularity, becoming an industry leader."
The project also includes an Anolis LED exterior lighting scheme illuminating the Academy's frontage, which makes a statement and ensures the venue will become a well recognised local landmark.
(Jim Evans)
